Karen Schinski inspires many while fighting stage 4 pancreatic cancer

MARK MORAN / THE CITIZENS’ VOICE Karen Schinski found out New Year’s Eve 2009 that her tumors were gone.

Karen Schinski, of Honey Pot, is an inspiration to many. The pretty, blonde 45 year old is a devoted wife to her husband, Kevin, and a loving mother to her four children: Kevin, 25, Kayley, 19, Kendell, 18, and Kassie, 16. Karen’s family, along with her friends and neighbors, witnessed first-hand the strength and courage she displayed while battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

In June 2009, Karen noticed that she had lost a little bit of weight, along with her appetite, and, in general, wasn’t feeling well. Karen already had an established relationship with Hershey Medical Center because she had been treated there for ulcerative colitis since she was 11 years old. At her yearly check-up in Hershey, doctors ran special blood work. Results showed that one particular reading, CA 19 - 9, came back extremely high. Karen spent the whole summer going back and forth to Hershey to get diagnosed. On Sept. 12, 2009, Karen received the news: she had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Karen’s particular cancer type, squamous cell, was extremely rare.

“Of course I wanted a second opinion,” stated Karen. “I went to the University of Pennsylvania, but both Hershey and the University of Penn told me that even if I got chemo, I would have six to 12 months, hopefully, because it was stage 4 already, and it was two tumors. They told me to go home and get my affairs in order.”

“My brother, Jimmy, told me to go to Dr. Greenwald, since he heard very good things about him,” continued Karen. “I was like, ‘Oh, a third opinion, Jim?’ My husband and I were so upset because we already heard two diagnoses. But we went to see Dr. Greenwald and he was great. I’ll never forget what he told me. He told me that there’s no expiration date stamped on the bottom of my foot.”

Karen began chemotherapy with Dr. David Greenwald at Medical Oncology Associates in October of 2009. Karen’s “cocktail” of medications included Zeloda, Gemzar and Taxotere.

“The Gemzar was rough; I remember losing my fingernails and toenails, besides my hair,” said Karen. “I lost 35 pounds off my frame. I was really thin with the treatment. I remember the one day, I had started my treatment and I was getting out of the shower. I looked into the mirror and wondered, ‘When did I lose all of this weight?’ You don’t realize you are actually going through it when you are. And now that I look back, I realize that when I first started treatment, I was really sick. That was hard.”

“After my course of treatment, I was sent for a PET Scan at Christmas time of 2009,” said Karen. “I remember on New Year’s Eve, after my husband called for the results, he came back into the room, crying. I thought, ‘Oh my God, I am dying.’ He said that they found that the tumors were gone! That was a great New Year’s Eve!”

Karen continued chemotherapy treatments until September 2013.

“Dr. Greenwald would tell me that, with cancer, there’s a book to show him when things go bad, but there isn’t a book to tell him when things are going good,” explained Karen. “There wasn’t a lot known about my type of cancer, and, after five years, we had to stop at some point because you don’t want to keep doing chemo if you don’t have to.”

Medical Oncology Associates not only treated Karen’s physical needs, but assisted her emotionally as well. Carol Greenwald, a licensed professional counselor, introduced her to a support group which she runs for cancer patients, and also counseled Karen’s children when they were told about their mother’s diagnosis.

Family means everything to Karen, and her family was the first thing she thought of when she was diagnosed with cancer.

“The biggest thing that went through my head was not being there for my husband and kids,” said Karen. “I think that when you are a mom, you just want to take care of your kids. That’s the most important thing in life — not money, but your family.”

“My son took it very, very badly,” said Karen. “Kayley was 13 and the other girls were a little younger. It was hard to sit down and tell them that. You have to kind of give them the bad news, yet say that we are going to hope for the best.”

Karen’s journey included meeting some very special friends at Medical Oncology Associates. Her “chemo click” included herself and three other women, Donna, Roz and Carol. The four women went through chemotherapy together and developed a strong, supportive bond with each other. The four would meet for breakfast or lunch every Friday, and shared both laughter and tears with one another. Karen tears up when recalling these wonderful friends who have since passed away, and holds their memories dear to her heart.

Karen greatly appreciates all of the support she received throughout her recovery. Her community, doctors and family helped her remain strong.

A benefit was held for Karen at the Tillbury Hose Company, organized by her best friend, Sue Phillips. This event put Karen’s mind at ease by helping her pay a number of bills while focusing on getting better. Friends and neighbors prepared food for her family and assisted her in countless other ways. Karen is also thankful for all of the support from her children’s sports community and Nanticoke Area High School.

“My doctors were amazing,” recalled Karen. “It’s a big adjustment: the medicines, treatments, tests you have to get. It’s a lot. When being diagnosed, it’s tough. Dr. Greenwald and Dr. Saidman were such a support to me, and Dr. Gary Verazin, who put in my portacath, was fantastic, too.”

“My husband was so wonderful,” added Karen. “He would cook for me and run for anything for me because he wanted me to gain the weight back.”

Karen feels very grateful that she has such a close, loving family. Her parents, Jim and Dorothy McDermott and siblings Jimmy, Doreen, Jason and John were always there for her.

Karen’s advice for others who are faced with a cancer diagnosis is to stay positive. She would also tell them to trust their doctor, and if they are not comfortable with their doctor, they should find someone whom they are comfortable with.

“I think all of the support that I had helped me be positive throughout my recovery,” stated Karen. “And just knowing that I had my kids’ lives to look forward to has allowed me to remain so positive.”

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